detect something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detect something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of discovering or identifying the presence of something, often in a scientific or technical context. Example: "The sensors are designed to detect something unusual in the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Data filtering and detection: We're exploring capabilities that can detect something like this sooner including changes to the SDK to give us more insight into what data is being sent to us, integration with Data Loss Prevention DLPP) solutions, and even using our machine learning capabilities to detect anomalous ingestion.

TechCrunch

The Japanese must detect something of Noh in your spare tales, I suggest when we met.

The Guardian - Film

Lone actors are much harder to detect – something al-Qaida appears determined to exploit.

The Guardian

"Candidates who do that fare better than those who wait for the board to detect something".

The New York Times

Even here, are we meant to detect something untoward in the strainings of his rapture?

The New Yorker

But in Williams's recent routines it's possible to detect something more unsettling than plain exhaustion.

The New Yorker

Meeting most artists, you can generally detect something of their personality in the work.

Independent

He was able to detect something under a layer of what anyone else would have taken for inert mud.

The New York Times

But listen closely to the way he bullies the beat, hammering syllable against syllable, and you'll detect something unexpected: delight.

The New York Times - Arts

Even so, you don't have to wear a deerstalker and smoke a pipe to detect something awry with the exercise.

Independent

And I think to the extent that it gives us a little bit extra opportunity to perhaps detect something, I think it would be good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "detect something" in technical writing, ensure the method or tool used for detection is clearly specified to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

While "detect something" is valid, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Simpler verbs like "find" or "notice" may sound more natural in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detect something" functions as a verb phrase where "detect" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object, here represented by the indefinite pronoun "something". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "detect something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread applicability. It serves to convey the act of noticing or identifying something, often with technical precision. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, with alternatives like "find something" or "identify something" being more appropriate for informal usage. Remember to specify the detection method for enhanced clarity in technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify something

Focuses on recognizing or establishing exactly what something is.

discover something

Implies finding something unexpectedly or while searching.

reveal something

Emphasizes making something known that was previously hidden.

find something

A general term for locating something.

ascertain something

Highlights the effort to find something out for certain.

uncover something

Suggests digging deeper to find something.

pinpoint something

Indicates locating something with great precision.

diagnose something

Specifically refers to identifying a disease or problem.

determine something

Implies a process of investigation leading to a conclusion.

discern something

Highlights perceptive or insightful detection.

FAQs

How can I use "detect something" in a sentence?

You can use "detect something" to describe the action of discovering or noticing something, as in "The sensors are designed to detect something unusual".

What are some alternatives to "detect something"?

Alternatives include "identify something", "discover something", or "find something", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "detect something" and "identify something"?

"Detect something" generally implies noticing the presence of something, while "identify something" suggests recognizing exactly what it is.

When is it most appropriate to use "detect something"?

It's most appropriate in contexts where precise observation or technical methods are involved, such as in scientific research or security systems.